Coping with flight disruptions can be really frustrating. However, the good news is that the European Union has regulations to support travelers when things get messed up. If you’re traveling by air in the EU, it’s wise to understand these regulations. They can help you out if your flight goes off course.
Knowing what you’re entitled to can make managing travel problems a lot simpler. While it won’t get you to your destination quicker, it can make you more relaxed when things don’t go as planned.
Passenger Rights under EU Regulation 261/2004
EU air passengers are protected if their flight experiences difficulties. EU laws ensure airlines look after their passengers when things go wrong.
When flights are delayed or cancelled, airlines must offer you:
- Meals and beverages
- Accommodation if you’re stranded overnight
- Transportation to and from the hotel
- Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes
If you’re experiencing a significant delay or your flight is cancelled, you might also receive:
- A refund
- A different flight option
- Compensation to make up for the inconvenience
Don’t forget to ask airline workers about these things if your plans change. They have to inform you about your rights when there’s a significant delay or cancellation.
Vueling Flight Delay Compensation
Travel setbacks from Vueling can be really annoying. However there’s some good news: if you’re delayed for more than three hours due to the airline’s fault, you might be able to get some compensation.
Laws in the UK and EU are on your side. You could get up to €600 per person. What matters is when you land, not when you take off. So keep an eye on your arrival time if you want to seek flight delay compensation.
The amount you receive depends on the length of your journey. A brief trip won’t get you as much money as a longer flight, even if they’re both delayed the same amount of time.
Want to know exactly how much you could get? Take a look at the table below to see how much money you might get:
| Less than 3 hours | Between 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Distance |
| €0 | €250 | €250 | All flights up to 1500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All intra-EU flights over 3500 km |
| €0 | €300 | €600 | All non-EU flights over 3500 km |
Vueling Flight Cancellation Compensation
The European Union has laws to help you if your flight is cancelled. Here’s what you should know:
If your flight is cancelled less than two weeks before you’re supposed to leave, you may be entitled to compensation up to €600. But there’s a catch – the airline can avoid paying if they offer you an alternative flight that doesn’t significantly disrupt your travel.
The carrier can bypass compensation if they provide an alternative flight that meets the following conditions:
| Advance Notice | Re-routing Requirements |
| 14 Days | None |
| 7 – 13 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight |
| Less than 7 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight |
If you agree to take an alternative flight from the airline, you’re still eligible for compensation. The key factor is when you reach your final destination.
The amount you could receive is determined by two factors:
- The length of your flight
- The delay in your arrival
So, even if the alternative flight is delayed, you could still be eligible for compensation.
Check out the table below for more information:
| Under 2 hours | 2-3 hours | 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Never arrived | Distance |
| €125 | €250 | €250 | €250 | €250 | All flights 1,500 km or less |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Internal EU flights over 1,500 km |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km |
| €300 | €300 | €300 | €600 | €600 | Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km |
The airline might not have to compensate you if they can provide a transfer to your destination, close to the original schedule. Even with a slight delay, you might not be eligible for flight cancellation compensation.
How to Claim Compensation from Vueling
It’s important to be aware of the process of claiming the compensation you’re entitled to under EU Regulation 261/2004. Here’s what you need to do:
- Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We are well-versed in the EU laws thoroughly and will make every effort to obtain your rightful compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.
Don’t forget that you’re entitled as a passenger to claim compensation for a cancelled or delayed flight. No matter whether your flight was delayed because of operational reasons or mechanical problems, if it was not caused by extraordinary circumstances such as adverse weather conditions or air traffic control decisions, you qualify for compensation.
Which Vueling Flights are Covered by EU261?
The EU’s air passenger protection laws are far-reaching. They cover all flights departing from a European Union member state airport and to all flights arriving at an airport in an EU member state if the flight is operated by an EU airline.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing EU airports | ✅ Covered |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ✅ Covered |
These regulations also apply to airlines from Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway. This means when you travel with any airline to, from, or within Europe, you most likely have these rights. It’s helpful to be aware of these regulations – they’re in place to support you if problems occur with your flight. They ensure you’re not left on your own when your travel plans go awry.
When You Are Not Entitled to Compensation
Vueling is not always responsible when flights are delayed or cancelled. At times, things happen that the airline can’t control, like extreme weather or unexpected problems.
For instance, if there’s an abrupt major weather event, an airport emergency, or air traffic controllers go on strike, Vueling is not liable. These are called “extraordinary circumstances” that the airline has no control over.
When these things happen, you probably won’t get any compensation. The airline is not considered to be doing anything wrong when these unforeseen difficulties arise.